May 23, 2006

Dear Brothers,

Mabuhay from Aklan Philippines.. Greetings to you all!!

We are happy to report:

Three souls became obedient to the gospel call and prospect of planting new congregation is coming to realize.
Jaime Prado, his wife Ethel and their daughter Maria Cristy were baptized for the remission of sins in a nearby beach last Sunday afternoon (see attached photos).

We have been studying with the Prados since last week of March, when Bro Jaime was then freshly arrived from Metro Manila for treatment. He first learned the Bible while recuperating through Bro Jun Patricio with the Bible study group at the house of Sis Imelda Ambito in Salawag Cavite. Sis Imelda is a relative of Jaime; they were both raised here from the same hometown, Batan Aklan.

Much prayers and focus now is given thought to start a house church in Batan Aklan. We are organizing a team compose of ourselves (me & Janel) w/ some mature PIBS monthly Bible students for the service of these infant Christians.

Batan town is around 50 kilometer from Kalibo, though accessible to any types of vehicles Jaime is not yet really on the firm shape to commute every Sunday to Kalibo to attend church. Our brother's right leg was amputated due to a very severe complication with Diabetes. It is still very hard for him to move around, his condition prompt us to plan about the church, which meet in their home. Lord willing the first worship service will be held next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM. Now, the seemingly hard situation becomes a blessing!

Some of Prado relatives and neighbors were invited. There are plans also to look for a space to rent to be used as meeting place. Brothers, please pray with us that the Lord will grant good harvest from this humble sowing.

On PIBS-Aklan Monthly Bible School:
Four of our stipend-receiving students (Clyd U, Christian P, Donato S, & Marlon D) were present on this month's school. Three regular students were absent (Lindy F, Toto G, & Jose M) due to some circumstances in connection with their jobs. We are counting them to be back on next month's school. Filling the void, we invited some young prospects to a three days Bible study on the Rudiments of Christianity, a special subject that we prepared for non-christians. Jofel Flores, Bernabe Natabio and Catherine Villanueva attended and finished the study series. With prayers we are hoping that one way or the other the study could help them decide for Christ. Adding the two walk-in learners Stephen Luke Paclibar and Gary Ursua, we have nine students in all for this month's Bible school. (Not counting our three kitchen volunteers who were attending classes if not preoccupied with dishes and one guest, Sis Garovillo wife of Bro Merari ).
Bro Merari continued his classes on Greek and Homiletics and I started the class on The Five Periods of Church History. We deferred the field activity (WBS stickers and flyers distribution) because of the heavy rains brought by the typhoon Caloy. The next PIBS-Aklan schedule will be on June 12 to 16.

Ambito Family visited their home province-Aklan:
Bro Jake and Sis Imelda and their two years old son Koko went for vacation here for more than one week. Four brethren from Salawag Cavite traveled with them, who are also their relatives and employees working for their clothing business based in Metro Manila. They drove all the way using the Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) route. The Ambitos and brethren with them attended the church here for two Sundays. They visit Batan Aklan every summer for family reunion and vacation. They would serve as an instrumental influence and model for the newly established work with some of their town folks and relatives.

Mothers were appreciated in the congregation during the Mother's Day Sunday: Flowers and prayers were offered and said for their being simply a mother. Our hearts was with Nay Fening that day, who soaked in the grief for the loss of her youngest son Harry from an illness she showed the steadfastness and the calmness of a brave mother (see photo). She said, she is trusting all to the Lord. Wishing to go to Gensan to give the last glance on the remains of her son, but she did not went, heeding the wise advice of her children that it is not healthy for her to travel rough seas and long land trip rides to Mindanao while burdened with grief. Nay Fening is the mother of our dear sister Gloria Bishop of Jersey Village church of Christ in Houston.

Other News:
Kalibo will be the next host of WestVis Preachers Forum this coming July and the next year's Family Camp.

Brothers, this would be all for now. We would like to express our warmest love and appreciation for your continued prayers and partnership with the ministry of the Word in Aklan. God bless you all.

In HIS Service,

Sammy and Janel Sinco